I’ve always been conflicted in my admiration for Allen Iverson. In some ways he has been the absolute worst thing that happened to basketball. Or at least, the figurehead of one of the NBA’s worst eras. Yet he carried so many redeeming qualities many of us wanted to believe he was simply misunderstood.
As a fan, I fear his legacy will be as misconstrued as the optimistic tag we labeled him with.
Once unguardable, Iverson is now merely untouchable. The season began with the understanding that the Grizzlies were it. The last chance. And he blew it.
The Clippers already have a dysfunctional point guard, Isiah Thomas is no longer employed in the NBA and Larry Brown has already picked up a malcontent shooting guard. Even the Knicks, simply trying to get through a year in an admitted throw away season refused to sign Iverson in favor of developing players who likely aren’t in their long range plans.
History will not be kind to Allen Iverson. Always a polarizing figure between old and young, purists and innovators, the last two years will now sadly be used as the closing arguments for his harshest critics.
But Iverson is as much a victim of timing as he is his mind set. His biggest flaw is not that he insisted on his game past his prime, but rather, that the game passed him up while he was still in it.
Iverson is like that ex-girlfriend met during a weird transition moment in life: she might have been all kinds of wrong but she was exactly what you needed at the time.
Allen Iverson was at his peak from 1999-2005 during one of the weaker moment in NBA history. He was THE post Jordan superstar in a league struggling to find a new identity and on the verge of rebranding its style of play. The talent was watered down and the coaches overbearing.
In the NBA he came up in, you could build a winning team around the singular talents of one player if you surrounded him by role players capable of grinding games to a halt. Remember, it wasn’t too long ago most NBA teams centered their offense around isolation plays for star athletes.
And in Iverson, Philadelphia had a superstar who was so unique from myriad of Jordan clones general managers were trying to build teams around. Even better, he was a far cry from the “we make a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money” aftertaste of the lockout. He played with passion. He cared.
Unfortunately his unique style of play may hurt Iverson’s legacy the most. Iverson appealed to a hip-hop generation with a style both innovative and flashy yet entirely opposed to everything we know about winning basketball. It was worshipped and mimicked on blacktops across the nation even as most experts acknowledged we’d never see anyone ever fully replicate Iverson.
Make no mistake about it, in his prime you could win with Iverson. He was that good. It may not have been THE formula for winning but it was a successful one. Why won’t we remember it as such. Because it cannot be replicated.
In the hands of lesser talents Iverson had a style that led to brutal displays of basketball. You can pull off a reasonable facsimile of Jordan if you can ignore all the dunk highlights and realize that his game was rooted in fundamentals and drive. Iverson played a flawed style that only works if you are as good as Iverson. And therein lies the problem: for what he does, no one has ever been as good as Iverson.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The case for starting Bonner and Finley
Exciting and promising as the early season is, some Spurs fans are still seeing red thanks to the continued presence of Michael Finley and the Spurs’ red-headed “center”, Matt Bonner, in the starting lineup.
When the Spurs signed Antonio McDyess it was assumed he’d join Tim Duncan in the starting lineup as the Spurs second best big man. Likewise, the signing of Richard Jefferson led many to believe Finley would also be pushed to the bench—if not retirement.
Instead assumed starters Roger Mason and McDyess find themselves, along with Manu Ginobili, anchoring a very stout second unit while many wonder why the Spurs don’t simply put their best five in the starting lineup.
Yes, despite the words and actions of some of basketball’s greatest minds (Ginobili and Lamar Odom have been both the second best players and sixth men of championship teams) the uninformed basketball mind (of which we can now confirm to include Allen Iverson) still holds onto an outdated concept of a hallowed starting five.
The criticisms of the Spurs current starting unit is that the defensive deficiencies put the Spurs at horrid starts leaving them at a huge disadvantage—as if the first five minutes won or lost games. Fast starts are nice, but they often go for naught if your second unit squanders the lead. Is it not better to have a slightly inferior starting five so that you can gain a significant advantage to end the first quarter and start the second?
I would argue the better use of a rotation is one that allows for the least amount of drop off in talent over the course of a game while maximizing the strengths of your lineup, keeping in mind that a fatigued version of your best lineup is still a lesser talented version of said lineup.
And I’m not sure starting Finley and Bonner doesn’t satisfy those requirements. Scoff if you must but in starting Finley and Bonner you not only mask their weaknesses but maximize the strengths of everyone else on your roster.
In starters Tim Duncan and Tony Parker you have two franchise caliber players that excel in creating shots for teammates. The flip side is that for all Parker’s speed or Duncan’s length neither is a particularly explosive player and thus each requires sufficient spacing to work at their peak. So the starting lineup is a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Bonner and Finley need someone to create their shots and Duncan and Parker need people to create their space.
It can be argued that Ginobili, Mason and McDyess offer the same spacing without the defensive costs but neither are as effective shooting the three-pointer and both offer skills that are redundant in a Parker/Duncan starting lineup that are sorely needed in the second unit.
Case in point: Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have great chemistry and while both are capable off the ball their greatest strengths are as a team’s primary playmaker. Even though the combination is by far the Spurs best backcourt do you really want a combination that limits one or the other as a spot up shooter for long stretches? Or is it better to let each have their run playing to their strengths while staying in rhythm for that last stretch run?
Roger Mason, another strong candidate to start, is another interesting case. Like Finley he is strictly a shooter though at this point he’s certainly a better overall player. Unlike Finley, however, Mason has enough ball handling ability to create jump shots at times and this is vital in taking pressure off of backup point guard George Hill, who while improved, still does not create the same wide open looks Parker does (making it harder for Finley to find his own offense in a second unit). Thus a second unit with Mason and Ginobili in the backcourt actually makes George Hill a better player.
And finally there is Bonner. While I wouldn’t be alarmed to see McDyess eventually be inserted into the starting lineup I can give you some new viewpoint of why perhaps he’s not so far. The Spurs two primary second tier big men offer very different strengths while holding the same exact weakness: defense. For that reason alone you simply can’t play DeJuan Blair and Bonner together. Ever.
So as much as a fan favorite as Blair is—and it’s obvious he really is—by having Bonner AND Blair on the bench you practically guarantee that you can only effectively use just one from night to night, forcing you to use just one or the other instead of both on any given night. And at the end of the night do you really want to minimize a valuable asset?
And that’s what this starting lineup comes down to. Are Bonner and Finley still valuable assets to an NBA team? Finley may not be the defender he once was (not that it was ever his specialty in the first place) the numbers show he is still a quality ROLE player who needs to play next to a quality defensive wingman to hide his flaws. And stretch fours are a valuable commodity in the league and as much as we rib Bonner he’s not as hopeless in his deficiencies as shooting specialists like Steve Novak or Tim Thomas.
Ultimately we’ll hit the playoffs and our rotations will be shortened and perhaps both will find themselves on the outside looking in. But over a long season there are plenty of minutes to fill and the goal remains maximizing every single one of them without taxing your still aging core.
When the Spurs signed Antonio McDyess it was assumed he’d join Tim Duncan in the starting lineup as the Spurs second best big man. Likewise, the signing of Richard Jefferson led many to believe Finley would also be pushed to the bench—if not retirement.
Instead assumed starters Roger Mason and McDyess find themselves, along with Manu Ginobili, anchoring a very stout second unit while many wonder why the Spurs don’t simply put their best five in the starting lineup.
Yes, despite the words and actions of some of basketball’s greatest minds (Ginobili and Lamar Odom have been both the second best players and sixth men of championship teams) the uninformed basketball mind (of which we can now confirm to include Allen Iverson) still holds onto an outdated concept of a hallowed starting five.
The criticisms of the Spurs current starting unit is that the defensive deficiencies put the Spurs at horrid starts leaving them at a huge disadvantage—as if the first five minutes won or lost games. Fast starts are nice, but they often go for naught if your second unit squanders the lead. Is it not better to have a slightly inferior starting five so that you can gain a significant advantage to end the first quarter and start the second?
I would argue the better use of a rotation is one that allows for the least amount of drop off in talent over the course of a game while maximizing the strengths of your lineup, keeping in mind that a fatigued version of your best lineup is still a lesser talented version of said lineup.
And I’m not sure starting Finley and Bonner doesn’t satisfy those requirements. Scoff if you must but in starting Finley and Bonner you not only mask their weaknesses but maximize the strengths of everyone else on your roster.
In starters Tim Duncan and Tony Parker you have two franchise caliber players that excel in creating shots for teammates. The flip side is that for all Parker’s speed or Duncan’s length neither is a particularly explosive player and thus each requires sufficient spacing to work at their peak. So the starting lineup is a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Bonner and Finley need someone to create their shots and Duncan and Parker need people to create their space.
It can be argued that Ginobili, Mason and McDyess offer the same spacing without the defensive costs but neither are as effective shooting the three-pointer and both offer skills that are redundant in a Parker/Duncan starting lineup that are sorely needed in the second unit.
Case in point: Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have great chemistry and while both are capable off the ball their greatest strengths are as a team’s primary playmaker. Even though the combination is by far the Spurs best backcourt do you really want a combination that limits one or the other as a spot up shooter for long stretches? Or is it better to let each have their run playing to their strengths while staying in rhythm for that last stretch run?
Roger Mason, another strong candidate to start, is another interesting case. Like Finley he is strictly a shooter though at this point he’s certainly a better overall player. Unlike Finley, however, Mason has enough ball handling ability to create jump shots at times and this is vital in taking pressure off of backup point guard George Hill, who while improved, still does not create the same wide open looks Parker does (making it harder for Finley to find his own offense in a second unit). Thus a second unit with Mason and Ginobili in the backcourt actually makes George Hill a better player.
And finally there is Bonner. While I wouldn’t be alarmed to see McDyess eventually be inserted into the starting lineup I can give you some new viewpoint of why perhaps he’s not so far. The Spurs two primary second tier big men offer very different strengths while holding the same exact weakness: defense. For that reason alone you simply can’t play DeJuan Blair and Bonner together. Ever.
So as much as a fan favorite as Blair is—and it’s obvious he really is—by having Bonner AND Blair on the bench you practically guarantee that you can only effectively use just one from night to night, forcing you to use just one or the other instead of both on any given night. And at the end of the night do you really want to minimize a valuable asset?
And that’s what this starting lineup comes down to. Are Bonner and Finley still valuable assets to an NBA team? Finley may not be the defender he once was (not that it was ever his specialty in the first place) the numbers show he is still a quality ROLE player who needs to play next to a quality defensive wingman to hide his flaws. And stretch fours are a valuable commodity in the league and as much as we rib Bonner he’s not as hopeless in his deficiencies as shooting specialists like Steve Novak or Tim Thomas.
Ultimately we’ll hit the playoffs and our rotations will be shortened and perhaps both will find themselves on the outside looking in. But over a long season there are plenty of minutes to fill and the goal remains maximizing every single one of them without taxing your still aging core.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Beer or Wine: The Spurs through three games
Three games into the season and the Spurs have already shown glimpses of their newfound strengths while leaving just enough reminders of familiar weaknesses.
Over the past few years the Spurs have been a team to be watched simply for a great appreciation and understanding of basketball. Not boring, as the casual observer would claim, but not the thrill a minute roller coaster other marquee teams offer. I suppose—borrowing from Gregg Popovich’s hobbies—one could compare it to wine tasting vs. a keg party.
You appreciate wine. Savor it. Intellectually break down its tastes and smells amongst other aficionados. Wine tasting parties are scripted and on schedule. Keg parties you enjoy the hell out of. At the end of the night there might not be a single coherent thought and often you don’t know who you’re with but damn it if it wasn’t fun. Both can be enjoyable. Only one is exciting.
The loss to the Bulls aside, if nothing else the first three games have at least interjected some of that frat party excitement back into Spurs fans lives. It’s a completely different feeling to watch one of our wings (Jefferson) fill the lanes of a fast break with an edge-of-your-seat anticipation (as opposed to appreciating how each teammate runs to a designated spot on the three-point line).
It’s one of many new skill sets the Spurs now boast that shows—through a small sample size of three games—the Spurs may have the best offensive team of the Tim Duncan era. Popovich was absolutely right in his decree that the Spurs would not longer suffer through 4-on-5 offensive sets. The team has finally moved away from surrounding their stars with limited spot up shooters in favor of role players with very diverse offensive skill sets.
In their two wins George Hills has proven to be a vastly improved shooter with enough slashing ability to keep a defense off balance. Blair, for all his faults, creates plays, opportunities and shots outside of the Spurs game plan like only Manu Ginobili or Robert Horry could. His steal last night against a Kings outlet past was absolutely Horry like. Even Mason, a jump shooter, has enough ball handling ability to create better jump shots.
Think about it. In two of their first three games the Spurs racked up 113 points, reaching the 100-point mark early in the fourth in both games before taking their foot off the accelerator.
Ah, but that one loss to the Bulls. At best it appears the Spurs could still have trouble with energetic teams on the second end of back to backs. At worst, the offense is still completely dependent on the three-pointer. Because the Spurs do not generate a lot of fast break points or free throws the Spurs need space for Duncan or Tony Parker to operate. While the new additions make it harder for teams to sell out running the Spurs off the three-point line, because we have so few elite athletes, ultimately it still comes down to hitting shots.
In the first two games we’ve also shown a still watered down defense. It could be a lack of corporate knowledge with so many new faces or a lack of Bruce Bowens. But what it’s lacked in field goal defense it’s replace with actual defensive plays. Turnovers, steals, blocks. Fast break points.
Now the defense can and will improve as everyone gets use to each other but the steals or defensive chaos. Those are new dimensions to the Spurs created by the likes of Hill, Blair and Ratliff. Popovich may have reduced the playbook to speed up the learning curve of our new players, but it’s the ability of our new players to create plays outside of the script that make this possible.
Through three games they’ve still been the Spurs, only it’s as if someone snuck in a case and blue jeans to our party.
(Editor's Note: I apoligize for not getting game by game recaps but this blog doesn't pay any bills--or generate a lot of feedback--as of yet. If you have any talent stringing together sentences and want to contribute, feel free to leave contact information)
Over the past few years the Spurs have been a team to be watched simply for a great appreciation and understanding of basketball. Not boring, as the casual observer would claim, but not the thrill a minute roller coaster other marquee teams offer. I suppose—borrowing from Gregg Popovich’s hobbies—one could compare it to wine tasting vs. a keg party.
You appreciate wine. Savor it. Intellectually break down its tastes and smells amongst other aficionados. Wine tasting parties are scripted and on schedule. Keg parties you enjoy the hell out of. At the end of the night there might not be a single coherent thought and often you don’t know who you’re with but damn it if it wasn’t fun. Both can be enjoyable. Only one is exciting.
The loss to the Bulls aside, if nothing else the first three games have at least interjected some of that frat party excitement back into Spurs fans lives. It’s a completely different feeling to watch one of our wings (Jefferson) fill the lanes of a fast break with an edge-of-your-seat anticipation (as opposed to appreciating how each teammate runs to a designated spot on the three-point line).
It’s one of many new skill sets the Spurs now boast that shows—through a small sample size of three games—the Spurs may have the best offensive team of the Tim Duncan era. Popovich was absolutely right in his decree that the Spurs would not longer suffer through 4-on-5 offensive sets. The team has finally moved away from surrounding their stars with limited spot up shooters in favor of role players with very diverse offensive skill sets.
In their two wins George Hills has proven to be a vastly improved shooter with enough slashing ability to keep a defense off balance. Blair, for all his faults, creates plays, opportunities and shots outside of the Spurs game plan like only Manu Ginobili or Robert Horry could. His steal last night against a Kings outlet past was absolutely Horry like. Even Mason, a jump shooter, has enough ball handling ability to create better jump shots.
Think about it. In two of their first three games the Spurs racked up 113 points, reaching the 100-point mark early in the fourth in both games before taking their foot off the accelerator.
Ah, but that one loss to the Bulls. At best it appears the Spurs could still have trouble with energetic teams on the second end of back to backs. At worst, the offense is still completely dependent on the three-pointer. Because the Spurs do not generate a lot of fast break points or free throws the Spurs need space for Duncan or Tony Parker to operate. While the new additions make it harder for teams to sell out running the Spurs off the three-point line, because we have so few elite athletes, ultimately it still comes down to hitting shots.
In the first two games we’ve also shown a still watered down defense. It could be a lack of corporate knowledge with so many new faces or a lack of Bruce Bowens. But what it’s lacked in field goal defense it’s replace with actual defensive plays. Turnovers, steals, blocks. Fast break points.
Now the defense can and will improve as everyone gets use to each other but the steals or defensive chaos. Those are new dimensions to the Spurs created by the likes of Hill, Blair and Ratliff. Popovich may have reduced the playbook to speed up the learning curve of our new players, but it’s the ability of our new players to create plays outside of the script that make this possible.
Through three games they’ve still been the Spurs, only it’s as if someone snuck in a case and blue jeans to our party.
(Editor's Note: I apoligize for not getting game by game recaps but this blog doesn't pay any bills--or generate a lot of feedback--as of yet. If you have any talent stringing together sentences and want to contribute, feel free to leave contact information)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Bank Shots: Oct. 27, 2009
Bank Shots: Scattered thoughts on the day's NBA action.
It's opening night and I must say this is as excited as I've ever been for an upcoming NBA season. Those old enough to be sports writers like to refer to the 1980s as the golden era of the league. But I'm not sure that the influx of talent in the league over the past decade isn't on par with the Jordans, Birds or Magics in terms of skill and personalities.
And the previous dreadful 90s era has finally weeded itself out to only the most useful of players (with Allen Iverson still hanging on for marketing), providing just enough of an old guard (Kobe, Duncan, Shaq and Garnett) to test the new guys (Paul, James, Wade, Howard) in their championship run. That being said, here's some thoughts on the NBA's first night of action:
Boston 95, Cleveland 89:
The addition of Rasheed Wallace at worst makes Rajon Rondo's jumpshot (or lack thereof) a bit more of a moot point. He's not quite an elite point guard but he's pretty good. His best shot charts resemble those of a big man, which works for Boston because their own big men favor jump shots.
Speaking of 'Sheed. I think at this point it's safe to say he's strictly a role player. Six of his nine shots were from behind the arch, which worked out fine tonight but he's not always going to shoot at a 50 percent clip. And three rebounds? For a night at least it was okay.
Garnett looked good. Will it hold up? I find it funny that everyone questions Tim Duncan while it's assumed that Garnett will be fine. KG relies more on his athleticism and let's remember, he's the one that had season ending surgery.
The Cleveland offense continues to be a joke. It's a testament to LeBron James that he could be so poorly utilized and still dominate. It's not easy to guard James but it's of at least some comfort that you never have to worry about where to find him: the top of the key, starting from a standstill, with the entire defense set and focused on him. With the bigger wings in the offseason I actually prefer their sets with Lebron at the power forward. Is it too much to ask for him to get the ball on the move or at more efficient spots on the floor?
Washington 102, Dallas 91
Gilbert Arenas is back. It was just one night but everything seemed in place for Arenas. It's so easy to forget how much of an elite player Arenas was given the developments of LeBron, Howard, Wade, 'Melo and Paul but he's one of the best offensive players in the league so long as he's healthy.
Arenas has an enforcer. Haywood is an overlooked part of the Wizards but right now he's the only one that provides size at an NBA rotation player quality. I also see that Fabricio Oberto got the start. While he's not going to get serious run he's a great pickup in terms of teaching Blatche and the Wizards young frontline how to find shots without having the ball.
The Mavericks need another player that can create offense. Right now Dirk just seems to have too much of a burden right now carrying the offense. Jason Kidd can still find the right passes but he's not exactly creating the passing lanes. Just about the rest of the Mavs offense needs to have their shot created for them. Can you rely on Josh Howard for this?
Portland 96, Houston 87
Where's Houston going to get their shots? There was a lot of talk this offseason about the Grizzlies setting records for fewest assists because the number of ball stoppers on their team. But what about Houston and their lack of creators? Scola can draw double teams in the right matchups and their best shot creator, Brooks, sets up primarily for himself. I'm just not sure who streses the defense enough to draw double teams or cause defenses to collapse. Who's their best passer? I'm not sure you can count on Lowry for eight assists a night.
At this point do you think the Blazers would rather have Oden or Brook Lopez? They're a highly efficient offense, we know. But they're primarily a jump shooting team which means you can automatically pencil them in for at least one loss every playoff series. Jumpers just don't fall every night. Can you picture Oden guarding combinations of Bynum/Kobe or Duncan/Ginobili without getting into serious foul trouble? And they're not exactly an uptempo team so somehow they're going to need to learn how to get easy shots.
Lakers 99, Clippers 92
I'm not sure what I can say about the Lakers that you don't already know. Kobe's good. Bynum can beast weak frontlines. Odom is versatile. We can nitpick all we want here but really Gasol is the one that makes this offense so dangerous and he was out tonight.
On the Clippers part, Davis looked bothered and a step slow. Lakers biggest weakness comes from an inability to guard point guards and Davis just couldn't take advantage. Kaman looked good, Camby overmatched. Gordon on the other hand is the real deal. He can shoot and he's strong. The Lakers towering front line didn't seem to bother him at all. He and Griffin are great pieces to build around. Not sure if Davis should be around when they take over.
The other thing that became obvious: No team that gives Al Thorton major minutes is a good team. He had a terrible shot selection and just doesn't seem to have a great feel for the game. He'll get numbers primarily because he'll force shots but he's not a part of a winning team. Probably my least favorite player to watch in the league right now.
It's opening night and I must say this is as excited as I've ever been for an upcoming NBA season. Those old enough to be sports writers like to refer to the 1980s as the golden era of the league. But I'm not sure that the influx of talent in the league over the past decade isn't on par with the Jordans, Birds or Magics in terms of skill and personalities.
And the previous dreadful 90s era has finally weeded itself out to only the most useful of players (with Allen Iverson still hanging on for marketing), providing just enough of an old guard (Kobe, Duncan, Shaq and Garnett) to test the new guys (Paul, James, Wade, Howard) in their championship run. That being said, here's some thoughts on the NBA's first night of action:
Boston 95, Cleveland 89:
The addition of Rasheed Wallace at worst makes Rajon Rondo's jumpshot (or lack thereof) a bit more of a moot point. He's not quite an elite point guard but he's pretty good. His best shot charts resemble those of a big man, which works for Boston because their own big men favor jump shots.
Speaking of 'Sheed. I think at this point it's safe to say he's strictly a role player. Six of his nine shots were from behind the arch, which worked out fine tonight but he's not always going to shoot at a 50 percent clip. And three rebounds? For a night at least it was okay.
Garnett looked good. Will it hold up? I find it funny that everyone questions Tim Duncan while it's assumed that Garnett will be fine. KG relies more on his athleticism and let's remember, he's the one that had season ending surgery.
The Cleveland offense continues to be a joke. It's a testament to LeBron James that he could be so poorly utilized and still dominate. It's not easy to guard James but it's of at least some comfort that you never have to worry about where to find him: the top of the key, starting from a standstill, with the entire defense set and focused on him. With the bigger wings in the offseason I actually prefer their sets with Lebron at the power forward. Is it too much to ask for him to get the ball on the move or at more efficient spots on the floor?
Washington 102, Dallas 91
Gilbert Arenas is back. It was just one night but everything seemed in place for Arenas. It's so easy to forget how much of an elite player Arenas was given the developments of LeBron, Howard, Wade, 'Melo and Paul but he's one of the best offensive players in the league so long as he's healthy.
Arenas has an enforcer. Haywood is an overlooked part of the Wizards but right now he's the only one that provides size at an NBA rotation player quality. I also see that Fabricio Oberto got the start. While he's not going to get serious run he's a great pickup in terms of teaching Blatche and the Wizards young frontline how to find shots without having the ball.
The Mavericks need another player that can create offense. Right now Dirk just seems to have too much of a burden right now carrying the offense. Jason Kidd can still find the right passes but he's not exactly creating the passing lanes. Just about the rest of the Mavs offense needs to have their shot created for them. Can you rely on Josh Howard for this?
Portland 96, Houston 87
Where's Houston going to get their shots? There was a lot of talk this offseason about the Grizzlies setting records for fewest assists because the number of ball stoppers on their team. But what about Houston and their lack of creators? Scola can draw double teams in the right matchups and their best shot creator, Brooks, sets up primarily for himself. I'm just not sure who streses the defense enough to draw double teams or cause defenses to collapse. Who's their best passer? I'm not sure you can count on Lowry for eight assists a night.
At this point do you think the Blazers would rather have Oden or Brook Lopez? They're a highly efficient offense, we know. But they're primarily a jump shooting team which means you can automatically pencil them in for at least one loss every playoff series. Jumpers just don't fall every night. Can you picture Oden guarding combinations of Bynum/Kobe or Duncan/Ginobili without getting into serious foul trouble? And they're not exactly an uptempo team so somehow they're going to need to learn how to get easy shots.
Lakers 99, Clippers 92
I'm not sure what I can say about the Lakers that you don't already know. Kobe's good. Bynum can beast weak frontlines. Odom is versatile. We can nitpick all we want here but really Gasol is the one that makes this offense so dangerous and he was out tonight.
On the Clippers part, Davis looked bothered and a step slow. Lakers biggest weakness comes from an inability to guard point guards and Davis just couldn't take advantage. Kaman looked good, Camby overmatched. Gordon on the other hand is the real deal. He can shoot and he's strong. The Lakers towering front line didn't seem to bother him at all. He and Griffin are great pieces to build around. Not sure if Davis should be around when they take over.
The other thing that became obvious: No team that gives Al Thorton major minutes is a good team. He had a terrible shot selection and just doesn't seem to have a great feel for the game. He'll get numbers primarily because he'll force shots but he's not a part of a winning team. Probably my least favorite player to watch in the league right now.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Not Another Team Preview: Previewing Fans in the Southwest Division
By now every major team publication or website's team previews have been out for some time (Hollinger and Dwyer are my two favorites) so other than adding a funny line (as if I had any) or rewording a particular sentence there is not much I can add you don't already know about the upcoming NBA season.
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Dallas Mavericks
Strengths: Blonde hair and silicon. Lots and lots of Silicon.
Weaknesses: Delusions of grandeur. Reflect all the worst traits of irritating owner Mark Cuban. Knowledge of the game (?).
In the mind of the fans:
"20 and 10 last year? Nah, Duncan is washed up. Now Marion on the other hand!"
"Mark Cuban now has stats that tell us to think it was a good idea to dump an aging, has-been All-Star point guard for the ability to sign two never-were centers.
"Mark Cuban now has stats that tell us to think it was a brilliant idea to trade an up and coming All-Star point guard for what's left of Jason Kidd."
"Mark Cuban still tells us what to think."
Houston Rockets
Strengths: You don't mess with a billion Chinese.
Weaknesses: All-Star voting. Stop it with Tracy McGrady already. Damn you China!
In the mind of the fans:
"At least we don't have to worry about whether or not Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming will be hurt this year. D'oh.
Memphis Grizzlies(Editor's Note: after the offseason moves only the owner and players' moms remain as fans)
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
In the mind of the fans.....err....owner:
"Pau Gasol is overrated. Zach Randolph on the other hand!"
"Why does Chris Wallace keep giving me those death stares?"
"I wonder if I can trade Rudy Gay for Adam Morrison without getting more death threats from Gregg Popovich."
New Orleans Hornets
Strengths: Party with the best of them. Leads to a distinct homecourt advantage against less disciplined teams.
Weaknesses: Copying wrestlers Wooooooooo! chants.
In the mind of the fans:
"What the hell happened?"
"Is it okay to start ignoring our NBA team again?"
San Antonio Spurs
Strengths: Ability to celebrate championships without riots, looting, or setting fires. Eva Longoria.
Weaknesses: Live in the land of 1,000 taco stands and most of them hit up every single one of them on the way to the game. Any mention of "*".
In the mind of the fans:
"Jefferson and 'Dice are nice, but can we trade for the Suns entire training staff?"
"DuJuan Blair is the next Charles Barkley!"
"Holy crap...I'm sitting next to Eva Longoria!"
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Dallas Mavericks
Strengths: Blonde hair and silicon. Lots and lots of Silicon.
Weaknesses: Delusions of grandeur. Reflect all the worst traits of irritating owner Mark Cuban. Knowledge of the game (?).
In the mind of the fans:
"20 and 10 last year? Nah, Duncan is washed up. Now Marion on the other hand!"
"Mark Cuban now has stats that tell us to think it was a good idea to dump an aging, has-been All-Star point guard for the ability to sign two never-were centers.
"Mark Cuban now has stats that tell us to think it was a brilliant idea to trade an up and coming All-Star point guard for what's left of Jason Kidd."
"Mark Cuban still tells us what to think."
Houston Rockets
Strengths: You don't mess with a billion Chinese.
Weaknesses: All-Star voting. Stop it with Tracy McGrady already. Damn you China!
In the mind of the fans:
"At least we don't have to worry about whether or not Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming will be hurt this year. D'oh.
Memphis Grizzlies(Editor's Note: after the offseason moves only the owner and players' moms remain as fans)
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
In the mind of the fans.....err....owner:
"Pau Gasol is overrated. Zach Randolph on the other hand!"
"Why does Chris Wallace keep giving me those death stares?"
"I wonder if I can trade Rudy Gay for Adam Morrison without getting more death threats from Gregg Popovich."
New Orleans Hornets
Strengths: Party with the best of them. Leads to a distinct homecourt advantage against less disciplined teams.
Weaknesses: Copying wrestlers Wooooooooo! chants.
In the mind of the fans:
"What the hell happened?"
"Is it okay to start ignoring our NBA team again?"
San Antonio Spurs
Strengths: Ability to celebrate championships without riots, looting, or setting fires. Eva Longoria.
Weaknesses: Live in the land of 1,000 taco stands and most of them hit up every single one of them on the way to the game. Any mention of "*".
In the mind of the fans:
"Jefferson and 'Dice are nice, but can we trade for the Suns entire training staff?"
"DuJuan Blair is the next Charles Barkley!"
"Holy crap...I'm sitting next to Eva Longoria!"
Not Another Team Preview: Previewing Fans in the Pacific Division
By now every major team publication or website's team previews have been out for some time (Hollinger and Dwyer are my two favorites) so other than adding a funny line (as if I had any) or rewording a particular sentence there is not much I can add you don't already know about the upcoming NBA season.
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Golden State Warriors
Strengths: Upside is amongst the highest in the entire league.
Weaknesses: Still tolerate management's presence in the building.
In the mind of the fans:
"We might hate Stephen Jackson, but even we can't blame him."
"Well, we still have a killer video game team."
Los Angeles Clippers
Strengths: The two Bills (Simmons and Crystal).
Weaknesses: Frankie Muniz.
In the mind of the fans:
"Holy Crap! We have a legitimate No. 1 overall big man. A motivated, stud point guard. A promising young shooting guard. Depth up front. And a crap load of cap space in one of the deepest free agent markets next year. Did Sterling die?"
"I can finally wear my team jersey in public!"
Los Angeles Lakers
Strengths: The most famous fans in the entire NBA. Cool under pressure (due to the sedated effect the drugs leave in their system).
Weaknesses: Arrive late, leave early. Bad knees created by years of being on them in Kobe's presence.
In the mind of the fans:
"Have I shown up on the Jumbotron or TV yet? As soon as I do I'm outta here. Can't miss rehab again."
"That person wrote a story that only called Kobe ONE of the greatest players in NBA history? What a hater!."
"ESPN has nothing but Kobe haters! Fox Sports has nothing but Kobe haters! Yahoo has nothing but Kobe haters! Everyone is a Kobe Hater! The Catholic Church thinks Jesus Christ is our savior? they're obviously Kobe Haters!"
Phoenix Suns
Strengths: Desert air apparently increases longevity as much as the Suns training staff. (A lot of old people). One awesome Gorrilla.
Weaknesses: Amare enablers. Still stuck on playoff suspensions of a few years back.
In the mind of the fans:
"David Stern is out to get us. It's a conspiracy, they only want big markets like San Antonio to win."
"At least we'll get to see 130-120 point games again this year. Hopefully we win some of them."
Sacramento Kings
Strengths: Cow bells. Once one of the loudest crowds in the NBA.
Weaknesses: Once being the operative word.
In the mind of the fans:
.....crickets.....
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Golden State Warriors
Strengths: Upside is amongst the highest in the entire league.
Weaknesses: Still tolerate management's presence in the building.
In the mind of the fans:
"We might hate Stephen Jackson, but even we can't blame him."
"Well, we still have a killer video game team."
Los Angeles Clippers
Strengths: The two Bills (Simmons and Crystal).
Weaknesses: Frankie Muniz.
In the mind of the fans:
"Holy Crap! We have a legitimate No. 1 overall big man. A motivated, stud point guard. A promising young shooting guard. Depth up front. And a crap load of cap space in one of the deepest free agent markets next year. Did Sterling die?"
"I can finally wear my team jersey in public!"
Los Angeles Lakers
Strengths: The most famous fans in the entire NBA. Cool under pressure (due to the sedated effect the drugs leave in their system).
Weaknesses: Arrive late, leave early. Bad knees created by years of being on them in Kobe's presence.
In the mind of the fans:
"Have I shown up on the Jumbotron or TV yet? As soon as I do I'm outta here. Can't miss rehab again."
"That person wrote a story that only called Kobe ONE of the greatest players in NBA history? What a hater!."
"ESPN has nothing but Kobe haters! Fox Sports has nothing but Kobe haters! Yahoo has nothing but Kobe haters! Everyone is a Kobe Hater! The Catholic Church thinks Jesus Christ is our savior? they're obviously Kobe Haters!"
Phoenix Suns
Strengths: Desert air apparently increases longevity as much as the Suns training staff. (A lot of old people). One awesome Gorrilla.
Weaknesses: Amare enablers. Still stuck on playoff suspensions of a few years back.
In the mind of the fans:
"David Stern is out to get us. It's a conspiracy, they only want big markets like San Antonio to win."
"At least we'll get to see 130-120 point games again this year. Hopefully we win some of them."
Sacramento Kings
Strengths: Cow bells. Once one of the loudest crowds in the NBA.
Weaknesses: Once being the operative word.
In the mind of the fans:
.....crickets.....
Not Another Team Preview: Previewing Fans in the Northwest Division
By now every major team publication or website's team previews have been out for some time (Hollinger and Dwyer are my two favorites) so other than adding a funny line (as if I had any) or rewording a particular sentence there is not much I can add you don't already know about the upcoming NBA season.
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Denver Nuggets
Strengths: Remarkable lung capacity due to yelling at extreme altitudes.
Weaknesses: Coors Light. john Denver.
In the mind of the fans:
"Chauncey Billups slowing down? Ridiculous."
"We'll probably have everything fall absolutely perfect again."
Minnesota Timberwolves
Strengths: Survived Kevin McHale
Weaknesses: Complacency likely given management has already admitted to not caring about the next few seasons.
In the mind of the fans:
"What's a shooting guard, small forward or center? It's been so long since we've seen one?"
Oklahoma City Thunder
Strengths: Enthusiastic glow remains from Honeymoon.
Weaknesses: They're not Seattle. They live in a market so small the city is named after the state.
In the mind of the fans:
"Holy crap! I still can't believe we have a professional team to root for besides the Soooners."
Portland Trailblazers
Strengths: were able to influence management to finally rid themselves of the Jail Blazers era.
Weaknesses: National Anthem. Pairing Bowie and Odom together in any sentence.
In the mind of the fans:
"I'm starting to think that this Oden over Durant thing was a bad idea."
"Roy's not overrated...he's....he's...he's better than Kobe. There, I said it."
Seattle Supersonics
Strengths: Passionate fans.
Weaknesses: Took losing their team to find said passion. No NBA team.
In the mind of the fans:
"Root for the Blazers my A--. F--- You David Stern!"
Utah Jazz
Strengths: One of the toughest places to play in the NBA. And with no night life, one can assume that it's directly because of the fans.
Weaknesses: Black dress pants and short sleeved white button up shirts with ties.
In the mind of the fans:
"Williams is just as good as Paul. No really. I mean it. He's better than Paul. He's bigger, a better shooter, and....and....why won't anyone listen to us."
"Sloan's induction speech wasn't too long, or too boring."
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Denver Nuggets
Strengths: Remarkable lung capacity due to yelling at extreme altitudes.
Weaknesses: Coors Light. john Denver.
In the mind of the fans:
"Chauncey Billups slowing down? Ridiculous."
"We'll probably have everything fall absolutely perfect again."
Minnesota Timberwolves
Strengths: Survived Kevin McHale
Weaknesses: Complacency likely given management has already admitted to not caring about the next few seasons.
In the mind of the fans:
"What's a shooting guard, small forward or center? It's been so long since we've seen one?"
Oklahoma City Thunder
Strengths: Enthusiastic glow remains from Honeymoon.
Weaknesses: They're not Seattle. They live in a market so small the city is named after the state.
In the mind of the fans:
"Holy crap! I still can't believe we have a professional team to root for besides the Soooners."
Portland Trailblazers
Strengths: were able to influence management to finally rid themselves of the Jail Blazers era.
Weaknesses: National Anthem. Pairing Bowie and Odom together in any sentence.
In the mind of the fans:
"I'm starting to think that this Oden over Durant thing was a bad idea."
"Roy's not overrated...he's....he's...he's better than Kobe. There, I said it."
Seattle Supersonics
Strengths: Passionate fans.
Weaknesses: Took losing their team to find said passion. No NBA team.
In the mind of the fans:
"Root for the Blazers my A--. F--- You David Stern!"
Utah Jazz
Strengths: One of the toughest places to play in the NBA. And with no night life, one can assume that it's directly because of the fans.
Weaknesses: Black dress pants and short sleeved white button up shirts with ties.
In the mind of the fans:
"Williams is just as good as Paul. No really. I mean it. He's better than Paul. He's bigger, a better shooter, and....and....why won't anyone listen to us."
"Sloan's induction speech wasn't too long, or too boring."
Not Another Team Preview: Previewing Fans in the Southeast Division
By now every major team publication or website's team previews have been out for some time (Hollinger and Dwyer are my two favorites) so other than adding a funny line (as if I had any) or rewording a particular sentence there is not much I can add you don't already know about the upcoming NBA season.
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Atlanta Hawks
Strengths: Having sat out the better part of the past two decades, Atlanta fans should be well rested which will bode well towards the end of the long, grueling NBA season.
Weaknesses: Inexperience. The mention of the name "Chris Paul".
In the mind of the fans:
"Tony Gonzales was a great addition to the team, he and Matt Ryan are really clicking."
"Undeveloped? Smith already is the second coming of Dominique Wilkins. It's time to tell himstop chucking jumpers too."
Charlotte Bobcats
Strengths: Deep, resourceful. A basketball crazy city, fans can always rely on UNC to balance out the lows of being a Bobcats fan.
Weaknesses: Like the rest of the country, an inability to question anything Michael Jordan does.
In the mind of the fans:
"Forget 50, come back now MJ! It would be nice to see you in the city more than twice a year."
Miami Heat
Strengths: Best tans in the league. Intimate knowledge of opposing players thanks to Miami's omission of closing time at bars.
Weaknesses: Skin cancer. The knowledge that Will Smith once wrote a song based on their city.
In the mind of the fans:
"Wade had a much better year than Lebron, he should have been MVP."
"Beasley in rehab? Damn, there goes our local economy."
Orlando Magic
Strengths: In the land of Disney, fans believe anything can happen.
Weaknesses: Dwight Howard doesn't help fans forget the loss of Shaq by stealing everything Shaq ever did. Cough, Superman, Cough.
In the mind of the fans:
"Holy ****'s Tiger Woods"
"Just because his act is stolen, doesn't mean it's unoriginal."
Washington Wizards
Strengths: Have somehow been able to get behind Stevenson's foolishness over the past few years, especially the LeBron taunting.
Weaknesses: The franchise had to change the name from the Bullets to the Wizards for a reason.
In the mind of the fans:
"Hibachi returns!"
"I think this is the year we can count on injury free seasons from Arenas, Butler and Jamis---o--awwww crap. Nevermind."
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans.
Atlanta Hawks
Strengths: Having sat out the better part of the past two decades, Atlanta fans should be well rested which will bode well towards the end of the long, grueling NBA season.
Weaknesses: Inexperience. The mention of the name "Chris Paul".
In the mind of the fans:
"Tony Gonzales was a great addition to the team, he and Matt Ryan are really clicking."
"Undeveloped? Smith already is the second coming of Dominique Wilkins. It's time to tell himstop chucking jumpers too."
Charlotte Bobcats
Strengths: Deep, resourceful. A basketball crazy city, fans can always rely on UNC to balance out the lows of being a Bobcats fan.
Weaknesses: Like the rest of the country, an inability to question anything Michael Jordan does.
In the mind of the fans:
"Forget 50, come back now MJ! It would be nice to see you in the city more than twice a year."
Miami Heat
Strengths: Best tans in the league. Intimate knowledge of opposing players thanks to Miami's omission of closing time at bars.
Weaknesses: Skin cancer. The knowledge that Will Smith once wrote a song based on their city.
In the mind of the fans:
"Wade had a much better year than Lebron, he should have been MVP."
"Beasley in rehab? Damn, there goes our local economy."
Orlando Magic
Strengths: In the land of Disney, fans believe anything can happen.
Weaknesses: Dwight Howard doesn't help fans forget the loss of Shaq by stealing everything Shaq ever did. Cough, Superman, Cough.
In the mind of the fans:
"Holy ****'s Tiger Woods"
"Just because his act is stolen, doesn't mean it's unoriginal."
Washington Wizards
Strengths: Have somehow been able to get behind Stevenson's foolishness over the past few years, especially the LeBron taunting.
Weaknesses: The franchise had to change the name from the Bullets to the Wizards for a reason.
In the mind of the fans:
"Hibachi returns!"
"I think this is the year we can count on injury free seasons from Arenas, Butler and Jamis---o--awwww crap. Nevermind."
Not Another Team Preview: Previewing Fans in the Central Division
By now every major team publication or website's team previews have been out for some time (Hollinger and Dwyer are my two favorites) so other than adding a funny line (as if I had any) or rewording a particular sentence there is not much I can add you don't already know about the upcoming NBA season.
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use. So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans:
Chicago Bulls
Strengths: They can count the friggin’ President of the United States among their ranks. The old SNL skits with John Goodman aren’t too far off. Da Bulls.
Weaknesses: The old SNL skits with John Goodman aren’t too far off.
In the mind of the fans:
“Post players are still overrated”
“Is it to early to order a Wade jersey?”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Strengths: Indians, Browns, pre-Lebron Cavs—Cleveland has the most loyal and tested fans in the entire country.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately they are also the most heart broken fans in history, leading to an extreme fear of success and paranoia.
In the mind of the fans:
“He won’t leave. He won’t leave. He won’t leave (even God’s not that mean, is he?)"
“F-YOU NEW YORK MEDIA. LEAVE US ALONE!” (Perfectly understandable reaction)
Detroit Pistons
Strengths: Amongst the most rowdy fans in sports.
Weaknesses: Prone to acts of violence.
In the mind of the fans:
“Rodney Stuckey is a point guard. Ben Wallace, not Chauncey, was the true heart of the Pistons, and Ben Gordon is the next Microwave.”
“Wasting our cap space?! If we had wanted Bosh we would have drafted him the first time.”
Indiana Pacers
Strengths: Birthplace of the film Hoosiers and Larry Bird.
Weaknesses: Addiction to Reggie Miller highlights.
In the mind of the fans:
“Is there still enough time to trade for Kirk Hinrich?”
“Is there still enough time to trade for Adam Morrison?”
“Is there still enough time to trade for Nick Collison?”
“Do you think we can sign Brent Barry?”
Milwaukee Bucks
Strengths: Ability to handle extreme climates. ???
Weaknesses: Laverne and Shirley.
In the mind of the fans:
“If our owner doesn’t want to spend money on our team, then neither do we.”
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use. So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans:
Chicago Bulls
Strengths: They can count the friggin’ President of the United States among their ranks. The old SNL skits with John Goodman aren’t too far off. Da Bulls.
Weaknesses: The old SNL skits with John Goodman aren’t too far off.
In the mind of the fans:
“Post players are still overrated”
“Is it to early to order a Wade jersey?”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Strengths: Indians, Browns, pre-Lebron Cavs—Cleveland has the most loyal and tested fans in the entire country.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately they are also the most heart broken fans in history, leading to an extreme fear of success and paranoia.
In the mind of the fans:
“He won’t leave. He won’t leave. He won’t leave (even God’s not that mean, is he?)"
“F-YOU NEW YORK MEDIA. LEAVE US ALONE!” (Perfectly understandable reaction)
Detroit Pistons
Strengths: Amongst the most rowdy fans in sports.
Weaknesses: Prone to acts of violence.
In the mind of the fans:
“Rodney Stuckey is a point guard. Ben Wallace, not Chauncey, was the true heart of the Pistons, and Ben Gordon is the next Microwave.”
“Wasting our cap space?! If we had wanted Bosh we would have drafted him the first time.”
Indiana Pacers
Strengths: Birthplace of the film Hoosiers and Larry Bird.
Weaknesses: Addiction to Reggie Miller highlights.
In the mind of the fans:
“Is there still enough time to trade for Kirk Hinrich?”
“Is there still enough time to trade for Adam Morrison?”
“Is there still enough time to trade for Nick Collison?”
“Do you think we can sign Brent Barry?”
Milwaukee Bucks
Strengths: Ability to handle extreme climates. ???
Weaknesses: Laverne and Shirley.
In the mind of the fans:
“If our owner doesn’t want to spend money on our team, then neither do we.”
Not Another Team Preview: Previewing Fans in the Atlantic Division
By now every major team publication or website's team previews have been out for some time (Hollinger and Dwyer are my two favorites) so other than adding a funny line (as if I had any) or rewording a particular sentence there is not much I can add you don't already know about the upcoming NBA season.
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans:
Boston Celtics
Strengths: Experience. Years of knowledge into possibly the most storied franchise in NBA history. Ability to handle booze.
Weaknesses: Ability to handle booze aside, obnoxious even while sober. Fresh memories of failed franchises over the past two decades has done nothing to humble them from the recent success of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots.
In the mind of the fans:
"Kobe is slowing with age. Tim Duncan is in his 30's, is seven-feet tall with a lot of mileage on his knees. Kevin Garnett? Nah. He's perfectly fine."
"Is it right to root for a team that added the league's biggest jerk to a team full of arrogant jerks? Hell, it worked when Bill Belichick picked up Randy Moss."
New York Knicks
Strengths: Mecca of basketball. Spike Lee.
Weaknesses: Delusions of grandeur based upon geographic location.
In the mind of the fans:
"LeBron. LEBRON, LeBron, LEBRON....LeBron! LeBron! LeBron, LeBron, LEBRON"
"No assets, not as much cap space as originally thought. No solid talent base...no problem. This is New York. How could LeBron say no?"
"Do you think we could land James, Bosh AND Wade? I mean, we are New York."
New Jersey Nets
Strengths: Most live within a reasonable commute to Brooklyn.
Weaknesses: They'll soon have to drive there if they want to see their team.
In the mind of the fans:
"In Soviet Russia, road drives you."
"Lopez and Harris are the American versions of Duncan and Parker."
Philadelphia 76ers
Strengths: Worst behaved fans in the entire nation. In any sport. (Google Santa, booing and batteries)
Weaknesses: Worst behaved fans in the entire nation. In any sport.
In the mind of the fans:
"F----- You"
Toronto Raptors
Strengths: Ability to flood the e-mails of any national sports writer who fails to show proper love to Canada's team.
Weaknesses: No one fears Canadians.
In the mind of the fans:
"Should we be worried that our Charmin Ultra Soft is tougher than our team?"
"It's not aboot defense, it's not aboot rebounding. It's aboot shooting. It's aboot passing."
So rather than go into the usual cut and paste, blog obligatory features (positional rankings, over/underrated and power ranking) or breaking down the game of our 12th man to its most minute detail, I thought I'd flip the script and create a preview even the countless number of sports bloggers could use.
So without further ado-feel free to add and contribute to the list-here is the annual preview of NBA team fans:
Boston Celtics
Strengths: Experience. Years of knowledge into possibly the most storied franchise in NBA history. Ability to handle booze.
Weaknesses: Ability to handle booze aside, obnoxious even while sober. Fresh memories of failed franchises over the past two decades has done nothing to humble them from the recent success of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots.
In the mind of the fans:
"Kobe is slowing with age. Tim Duncan is in his 30's, is seven-feet tall with a lot of mileage on his knees. Kevin Garnett? Nah. He's perfectly fine."
"Is it right to root for a team that added the league's biggest jerk to a team full of arrogant jerks? Hell, it worked when Bill Belichick picked up Randy Moss."
New York Knicks
Strengths: Mecca of basketball. Spike Lee.
Weaknesses: Delusions of grandeur based upon geographic location.
In the mind of the fans:
"LeBron. LEBRON, LeBron, LEBRON....LeBron! LeBron! LeBron, LeBron, LEBRON"
"No assets, not as much cap space as originally thought. No solid talent base...no problem. This is New York. How could LeBron say no?"
"Do you think we could land James, Bosh AND Wade? I mean, we are New York."
New Jersey Nets
Strengths: Most live within a reasonable commute to Brooklyn.
Weaknesses: They'll soon have to drive there if they want to see their team.
In the mind of the fans:
"In Soviet Russia, road drives you."
"Lopez and Harris are the American versions of Duncan and Parker."
Philadelphia 76ers
Strengths: Worst behaved fans in the entire nation. In any sport. (Google Santa, booing and batteries)
Weaknesses: Worst behaved fans in the entire nation. In any sport.
In the mind of the fans:
"F----- You"
Toronto Raptors
Strengths: Ability to flood the e-mails of any national sports writer who fails to show proper love to Canada's team.
Weaknesses: No one fears Canadians.
In the mind of the fans:
"Should we be worried that our Charmin Ultra Soft is tougher than our team?"
"It's not aboot defense, it's not aboot rebounding. It's aboot shooting. It's aboot passing."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Few Words on Captain Jack
Of all the expatriate Spurs, Stephen Jackson remains my all-time favorite. The most unlikely Spurs player since Dennis Rodman, Jackson was the antithesis of “Corporate Knowledge”.
Yet, Jackson played a large role in our 2003 Championship, nailing huge shots while displaying big (bravado). When he left there were no hard feelings. The Spurs had Manu Ginobili waiting in the wings and were preparing to make a push for Jason Kidd.
With the exception of a few bad decisions in Indiana (of all places) Jackson remained in relative obscurity for several years before emerging on the scene again as the Nellie-ball created Captain jack, where he endeared himself to Spurs fans all over again with his role in the dismantling of the Dallas Mavericks.
Unfortunately his new reputation deteriorated with the rest of the mess the Golden State Warriors front office created, culminating in the now highly publicized—and highly criticized—trade request.
Without condoning the way he has handled the situation, I’d ask people to try understanding. The biggest criticism is the notion that no one forced him to sign the massive contract extension and Captain Jack knew what he was getting in to. But while Jackson may lack corporate knowledge, he’s no idiot.
No other team in their right mind would offer Jackson the contract the Warriors did, it’s not his fault he was overpaid. Still, where is the loyalty?
The Warriors quit first. From what we know of Jackson, he’s a fiercely loyal teammate (even blindly following one of them into a hostile crowd once). He’s also a fierce competitor. Everything the Warriors are about these days goes against those two traits.
Chris Mullin, the man who created the Warriors team Jackson captained, was exiled in a stab in the back power struggle seemingly orchestrated in part by Don Nelson –completing the usual player-gets-his-alcoholic February deadline we’re still looking for an added boost, what reasons would you have against Captain Jack? -life-turned-around-by-coach-makes-good-as-a-general-manage- and-repays-the-favor-by-offering-said-coach-another-chance-only-to-be-betrayed-by-coach-who-turned-around-his-life cycle.
The star point guard is complaining about sharing the backcourt with the new hot shot rookie.
Nelson, the man who made Jackson a captain and helped rebuild his reputation, now only does the bare minimum needed to still claim a paycheck. So how should Jackson react?
And now the Spurs are on Jackson’s wish list of potential destinations. San Antonio has the expiring contracts to match salaries, a prospect or two and rotation player to make a deal happen. Is he overpaid? Yes. But he’s also an upgrade over both Finley and Mason. The Spurs that matter allegedly love him as a teammate and player.
I also seriously doubt that I was the only Spurs fan rooting for Jackson as he they doled the most humiliating defeat in the Dirk Nowitzki-Mark Cuban. And I doubt Jackson is the only one around that hates Kobe Bryant. So why not Captain Jack?
Yet, Jackson played a large role in our 2003 Championship, nailing huge shots while displaying big (bravado). When he left there were no hard feelings. The Spurs had Manu Ginobili waiting in the wings and were preparing to make a push for Jason Kidd.
With the exception of a few bad decisions in Indiana (of all places) Jackson remained in relative obscurity for several years before emerging on the scene again as the Nellie-ball created Captain jack, where he endeared himself to Spurs fans all over again with his role in the dismantling of the Dallas Mavericks.
Unfortunately his new reputation deteriorated with the rest of the mess the Golden State Warriors front office created, culminating in the now highly publicized—and highly criticized—trade request.
Without condoning the way he has handled the situation, I’d ask people to try understanding. The biggest criticism is the notion that no one forced him to sign the massive contract extension and Captain Jack knew what he was getting in to. But while Jackson may lack corporate knowledge, he’s no idiot.
No other team in their right mind would offer Jackson the contract the Warriors did, it’s not his fault he was overpaid. Still, where is the loyalty?
The Warriors quit first. From what we know of Jackson, he’s a fiercely loyal teammate (even blindly following one of them into a hostile crowd once). He’s also a fierce competitor. Everything the Warriors are about these days goes against those two traits.
Chris Mullin, the man who created the Warriors team Jackson captained, was exiled in a stab in the back power struggle seemingly orchestrated in part by Don Nelson –completing the usual player-gets-his-alcoholic February deadline we’re still looking for an added boost, what reasons would you have against Captain Jack? -life-turned-around-by-coach-makes-good-as-a-general-manage- and-repays-the-favor-by-offering-said-coach-another-chance-only-to-be-betrayed-by-coach-who-turned-around-his-life cycle.
The star point guard is complaining about sharing the backcourt with the new hot shot rookie.
Nelson, the man who made Jackson a captain and helped rebuild his reputation, now only does the bare minimum needed to still claim a paycheck. So how should Jackson react?
And now the Spurs are on Jackson’s wish list of potential destinations. San Antonio has the expiring contracts to match salaries, a prospect or two and rotation player to make a deal happen. Is he overpaid? Yes. But he’s also an upgrade over both Finley and Mason. The Spurs that matter allegedly love him as a teammate and player.
I also seriously doubt that I was the only Spurs fan rooting for Jackson as he they doled the most humiliating defeat in the Dirk Nowitzki-Mark Cuban. And I doubt Jackson is the only one around that hates Kobe Bryant. So why not Captain Jack?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hill and Blair are the stories of the preseason
DuJuan Blair is a beast. George Hill is a point guard. If Spurs fans take anything away from this year’s preseason, these two stories were the most prominent throughout the exhibition season.
Sure, there were other things to glean from this year’s games (if you had the opportunity to watch them), though most were simple reaffirmations of what we already knew (Tony Parker is really good) or had too small a sample size (can we take the bubble wrap off of Manu Ginobili) to draw an educated conclusion.
Not since 2003 have the Spurs had two young players with such exciting, unknown upside that were also ready to contribute heavily in the Spurs regular season rotation. Then the Spurs counted on a rookie Ginobili and a still wet behind the ears Parker as key cogs in a championship run.
This preseason served as an extention of impressive summer performances for Blair and Hill. Last year’s unheralded draft pick from IUPUI cemented his role as back up point guard and defensive ace off the bench while Blair has already endeared himself as a fan favorite.
Spurs fans (over) reaction to Blair’s performances have pegged him as everything from the Spurs power forward of the future to the second coming of Charles Barkley. While I must admit to drinking the Blair Kool-Aid I would warn others not to become drunk off it.
For all of his positives he does have limitations “and that is before delving into any potential knee issues” that will likely keep him as merely a valuable reserve. Blair is a grossly undersized power forward who has great strength and long arms but is not much of a leaper. As such finding suitable matchups for him on defense will be difficult against elite teams with huge frontlines like the Lakers or Blazers. While he can muscle with the best, ultimately skilled big men can simply shoot right over the top of him and in help defense he’s not going to be helpful in protecting the rim. He must learn to read opponents and draw charges to be successful, and even then his minutes against certain matchups must be monitored.
Offensively he will have trouble getting his shot over taller defenders, even after establishing great position, as evident by the number of shots he’s had blocked or altered (of course, it doesn’t hurt that he always gets the ball right back and puts it in anyways). Right now his pet move is sealing his defender on one side of the rim and laying it in on the other, using the rim as protection from the shot blocker. While he’s more physical than Glenn Davis, ultimately like Big Baby, Blair will have to develop his mid range jumper to be a consistent offensive threat.
All that being said, Blair is a beast. We’ve seen him flip 7-foot future draft busts over his back, nearly rip players’ arms out of socket on several rebounds and put up staggering numbers in limited time so far.
There have been plenty of undersized power forwards (see: Diogu, Ike) who produce numbers whose size precludes coaches from giving meaningful minutes but Blair, early in his Spurs career, seems like the type of player who, matchups be damned, you put on the floor because his positives will outweigh his negatives.
But as exciting as Blair is, perhaps the more relevant story for this season is the rapid development of George Hill. Last year’s first round draft pick provided two thing the Spurs badly needed last year—athleticism and defense—but could not fulfill his duties as a backup point guard well enough to remain on the floor.
Sure, there were glimpses of potential. Like the multiple 20-point games he put up with Tony Parker out. Hill could finish and draw fouls thanks to his athleticism and long arms but his dribble game lacked any elusiveness to it. All of his drives were straight lines where he was simply able to get a first step on the defender. At the end of the season I was pleased with Hill as a backup point guard but pegged his ceiling as an Antonio Daniels type player with better defense, which is great for a late first round draft pick.
But that type of player isn’t untouchable in my mind, and in the offseason I felt like Hill shouldn’t’ be either. My line of thinking was that if you can get a starter who can carry major minutes in exchange for a player who would have trouble finding meaningful time behind Tony Parker then do it.
Oh, what wonders one summer with Chip Engelland can do. It may be a small sample size, but judging by the blistering shooting percentages, George Hill can shoot. From deep. Especially from the corner. Now a lot of attention will be paid to his development as a point guard. And rightfully so, Hill finally looks comfortable there. But the most important development for him, so far as his future with the Spurs is concerned, is his jump shot.
You see, if Hill is to carve out more than cameo appearances in meaningful games it will have to be as more than a backup point guard because there’s just n o way you’re limiting Tony Parker’s minutes come Spring and Summer. So if Hill is going to be an impact as a Spurs player he needs to be able to play beside Parker rather than replacing him. For years that only prerequisite for that, at least offensively, is the corner three.
If Hill can maintain a consistent outside shot it’s huge. It means he can actually cover the Spurs two biggest weaknesses (perimeter defense and athleticism) for meaningful stretches. It also means that he has a future here past his rookie contract.
Sure, there were other things to glean from this year’s games (if you had the opportunity to watch them), though most were simple reaffirmations of what we already knew (Tony Parker is really good) or had too small a sample size (can we take the bubble wrap off of Manu Ginobili) to draw an educated conclusion.
Not since 2003 have the Spurs had two young players with such exciting, unknown upside that were also ready to contribute heavily in the Spurs regular season rotation. Then the Spurs counted on a rookie Ginobili and a still wet behind the ears Parker as key cogs in a championship run.
This preseason served as an extention of impressive summer performances for Blair and Hill. Last year’s unheralded draft pick from IUPUI cemented his role as back up point guard and defensive ace off the bench while Blair has already endeared himself as a fan favorite.
Spurs fans (over) reaction to Blair’s performances have pegged him as everything from the Spurs power forward of the future to the second coming of Charles Barkley. While I must admit to drinking the Blair Kool-Aid I would warn others not to become drunk off it.
For all of his positives he does have limitations “and that is before delving into any potential knee issues” that will likely keep him as merely a valuable reserve. Blair is a grossly undersized power forward who has great strength and long arms but is not much of a leaper. As such finding suitable matchups for him on defense will be difficult against elite teams with huge frontlines like the Lakers or Blazers. While he can muscle with the best, ultimately skilled big men can simply shoot right over the top of him and in help defense he’s not going to be helpful in protecting the rim. He must learn to read opponents and draw charges to be successful, and even then his minutes against certain matchups must be monitored.
Offensively he will have trouble getting his shot over taller defenders, even after establishing great position, as evident by the number of shots he’s had blocked or altered (of course, it doesn’t hurt that he always gets the ball right back and puts it in anyways). Right now his pet move is sealing his defender on one side of the rim and laying it in on the other, using the rim as protection from the shot blocker. While he’s more physical than Glenn Davis, ultimately like Big Baby, Blair will have to develop his mid range jumper to be a consistent offensive threat.
All that being said, Blair is a beast. We’ve seen him flip 7-foot future draft busts over his back, nearly rip players’ arms out of socket on several rebounds and put up staggering numbers in limited time so far.
There have been plenty of undersized power forwards (see: Diogu, Ike) who produce numbers whose size precludes coaches from giving meaningful minutes but Blair, early in his Spurs career, seems like the type of player who, matchups be damned, you put on the floor because his positives will outweigh his negatives.
But as exciting as Blair is, perhaps the more relevant story for this season is the rapid development of George Hill. Last year’s first round draft pick provided two thing the Spurs badly needed last year—athleticism and defense—but could not fulfill his duties as a backup point guard well enough to remain on the floor.
Sure, there were glimpses of potential. Like the multiple 20-point games he put up with Tony Parker out. Hill could finish and draw fouls thanks to his athleticism and long arms but his dribble game lacked any elusiveness to it. All of his drives were straight lines where he was simply able to get a first step on the defender. At the end of the season I was pleased with Hill as a backup point guard but pegged his ceiling as an Antonio Daniels type player with better defense, which is great for a late first round draft pick.
But that type of player isn’t untouchable in my mind, and in the offseason I felt like Hill shouldn’t’ be either. My line of thinking was that if you can get a starter who can carry major minutes in exchange for a player who would have trouble finding meaningful time behind Tony Parker then do it.
Oh, what wonders one summer with Chip Engelland can do. It may be a small sample size, but judging by the blistering shooting percentages, George Hill can shoot. From deep. Especially from the corner. Now a lot of attention will be paid to his development as a point guard. And rightfully so, Hill finally looks comfortable there. But the most important development for him, so far as his future with the Spurs is concerned, is his jump shot.
You see, if Hill is to carve out more than cameo appearances in meaningful games it will have to be as more than a backup point guard because there’s just n o way you’re limiting Tony Parker’s minutes come Spring and Summer. So if Hill is going to be an impact as a Spurs player he needs to be able to play beside Parker rather than replacing him. For years that only prerequisite for that, at least offensively, is the corner three.
If Hill can maintain a consistent outside shot it’s huge. It means he can actually cover the Spurs two biggest weaknesses (perimeter defense and athleticism) for meaningful stretches. It also means that he has a future here past his rookie contract.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Bank Shots: Spurs Preseason
· The Austin Toros experiment, to date, is entirely dependent on Malik Hairston at this point—more so than George Hill or DuJuan Blair, I looked forward to this preseason to see what fruits the Spurs developmental league team would bare.
Mahinmi is still the biggest mystery and might be worth extending. Right now I think for player comparisons you can start at Francisco Elson as your worst case scenario though his ceiling seems to be dropping fast.
Williams appears to be an NBA player. Though I can only envision him as a point forward that neither helps nor hurts you—only he’s young, still learning, and at this point does, in fact, hurt you.
The good news is Hairston seems ready now but still D-league eligible. The best thing I can say about Hairston is that no situation seems too big for him. For a player who has had to transition out to a perimeter oriented game, that’s huge. He’s had a steady handle, excelled at finishing and been a surprising passer with a few multi-assist games. At this point I’ll declare the Austin success ratio as 1-for-3, which I’d say is a success for what the Spurs are looking for.
· Curtis Jerrell irks me—Since we’re on the subject of Austin, there are a lot of Spurs fans who would like to see the former Baylor star show up in Austin. I’d highly advise against it. Jerrells over dribbled his way through the entire Spurs preseason and likely only stayed on the roster so the Spurs could continue scrimmaging while Parker rested. To me, his entire preseason can be summed up with the closing minutes of the Clippers game. With an opportunity to tie he took the ball, raced down the end of the court and forced a shot with plenty of time on the clock.
That’s not to say he doesn’t have some tools. I think he could develop in Austin, though at the cost of the development of those around him. And given that we already have two young point guards I’d rather have a generic system point guard that will get the ball to our developing wings and bigs. To emphasize my point about the Clippers game, that rushed shot would have been a perfect opportunity to see what Blair, Hairston or Williams could have done in the clutch.
· Marcus Haislip needs time and opportunities—Though I’m not sure he’ll get either. I suppose his true value (or lack thereof) will become apparent once he matches up with the perimeter based big forwards that have caused us problems.
Right now as a “stretch four” he seems to lack NBA range, which is no surprise according to ESPN’s Hollinger. As he points out it normally takes a season to get acclimated to the NBA three-pointer. He appears to have a good shot though. Additionally, it seems he still is figuring out what he can get away with in the NBA. He favors a between the legs dribble drive that leads to some out of control drives. Hopefully he’ll figure it out.
· Bonner and Finley can still shoot—It’s not their fault they were miscast as 30 minute a night major contributes. Both have looked great in the preseason and given reduced minutes and roles perhaps they’ll last the season while their new teammates are better equipped to mask their weaknesses.
Mahinmi is still the biggest mystery and might be worth extending. Right now I think for player comparisons you can start at Francisco Elson as your worst case scenario though his ceiling seems to be dropping fast.
Williams appears to be an NBA player. Though I can only envision him as a point forward that neither helps nor hurts you—only he’s young, still learning, and at this point does, in fact, hurt you.
The good news is Hairston seems ready now but still D-league eligible. The best thing I can say about Hairston is that no situation seems too big for him. For a player who has had to transition out to a perimeter oriented game, that’s huge. He’s had a steady handle, excelled at finishing and been a surprising passer with a few multi-assist games. At this point I’ll declare the Austin success ratio as 1-for-3, which I’d say is a success for what the Spurs are looking for.
· Curtis Jerrell irks me—Since we’re on the subject of Austin, there are a lot of Spurs fans who would like to see the former Baylor star show up in Austin. I’d highly advise against it. Jerrells over dribbled his way through the entire Spurs preseason and likely only stayed on the roster so the Spurs could continue scrimmaging while Parker rested. To me, his entire preseason can be summed up with the closing minutes of the Clippers game. With an opportunity to tie he took the ball, raced down the end of the court and forced a shot with plenty of time on the clock.
That’s not to say he doesn’t have some tools. I think he could develop in Austin, though at the cost of the development of those around him. And given that we already have two young point guards I’d rather have a generic system point guard that will get the ball to our developing wings and bigs. To emphasize my point about the Clippers game, that rushed shot would have been a perfect opportunity to see what Blair, Hairston or Williams could have done in the clutch.
· Marcus Haislip needs time and opportunities—Though I’m not sure he’ll get either. I suppose his true value (or lack thereof) will become apparent once he matches up with the perimeter based big forwards that have caused us problems.
Right now as a “stretch four” he seems to lack NBA range, which is no surprise according to ESPN’s Hollinger. As he points out it normally takes a season to get acclimated to the NBA three-pointer. He appears to have a good shot though. Additionally, it seems he still is figuring out what he can get away with in the NBA. He favors a between the legs dribble drive that leads to some out of control drives. Hopefully he’ll figure it out.
· Bonner and Finley can still shoot—It’s not their fault they were miscast as 30 minute a night major contributes. Both have looked great in the preseason and given reduced minutes and roles perhaps they’ll last the season while their new teammates are better equipped to mask their weaknesses.
Welcome to Bank Shots (Rebooted)
Hello all. We're going to try and start anew here at Bank Shots after a rough initial outing. Just a little information on me and what to expect:
I graduated with a degree in journalism from from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 2006. I've worked for a few small papers and helped out in small, part-time roles at the Express-News. After seeing newsrooms across the country shred their staff I bailed on those dreams and am pursuing teaching, so this blog will serve as one of the last outlets for my writing.
Being from San Antonio I am a huge Spurs fan. I try and keep a grounded and unbiased take on all things NBA but this blog will probably be a little Spurs-centric. That being said, I want to stop short of calling this strictly a Spurs site as I often have thoughts on the entire NBA in general.
There will be the mandatory lists from time to time (best players, teams, overrated, underrated, All-Stars, etc., etc.), columns, a few attempts at humor and while I won't do game recaps--there are newspapers still in existence after all--I will try to maintain a semi-daily feature titled "Bank Shots" with random thoughts across the NBA.
In addition to my work as a freelance and staff reporter over the past few years I've also worked as an artist from time to time and will post paintings as they come up.
I'm a Spurs season ticket holder for the first time and using that and Twitter I'm hoping to have live game comments for anyone who cares to follow along.
I follow a lot of different blogs and writers. 48minutesofhell.com, Kelly Dwyer on Yahoo Sports, ESPN TrueHoop and Bill Simmons are among my regular reads. I've never been a big stats +/- guy. Though I do see value in them I believe they simply serve as something that should narrow down what you look for then allow for an eye test.
Now, as far as what I expect. I'd like for you guys to comment on anything you'd like: Whether you have tips for my writing style (like or dislike), my opinions. Mostly I just want to have some healthy basketball discussions here. Thanks and enjoy.
I graduated with a degree in journalism from from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 2006. I've worked for a few small papers and helped out in small, part-time roles at the Express-News. After seeing newsrooms across the country shred their staff I bailed on those dreams and am pursuing teaching, so this blog will serve as one of the last outlets for my writing.
Being from San Antonio I am a huge Spurs fan. I try and keep a grounded and unbiased take on all things NBA but this blog will probably be a little Spurs-centric. That being said, I want to stop short of calling this strictly a Spurs site as I often have thoughts on the entire NBA in general.
There will be the mandatory lists from time to time (best players, teams, overrated, underrated, All-Stars, etc., etc.), columns, a few attempts at humor and while I won't do game recaps--there are newspapers still in existence after all--I will try to maintain a semi-daily feature titled "Bank Shots" with random thoughts across the NBA.
In addition to my work as a freelance and staff reporter over the past few years I've also worked as an artist from time to time and will post paintings as they come up.
I'm a Spurs season ticket holder for the first time and using that and Twitter I'm hoping to have live game comments for anyone who cares to follow along.
I follow a lot of different blogs and writers. 48minutesofhell.com, Kelly Dwyer on Yahoo Sports, ESPN TrueHoop and Bill Simmons are among my regular reads. I've never been a big stats +/- guy. Though I do see value in them I believe they simply serve as something that should narrow down what you look for then allow for an eye test.
Now, as far as what I expect. I'd like for you guys to comment on anything you'd like: Whether you have tips for my writing style (like or dislike), my opinions. Mostly I just want to have some healthy basketball discussions here. Thanks and enjoy.
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